Senior​/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer - Structural Dynamics, Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.

We are seeking a R&D Mechanical Engineer to join our System‑Level Vibration Testing Laboratory team to strengthen our position as a recognized leader in the field of Structural Dynamics and help tackle some of the most complex issues facing our nation’s security. Our group has a unique balance of research and programmatic work which will allow opportunities to pursue your relevant interests while making a difference in the world.

• Conceive, plan, and conduct technical work spanning fundamental research, development, and application to support SNL customers and sponsors.
• Contribute to the advancement of the field through collaboration and presenting work at technical conferences and peer‑reviewed journals.
• Use engineering principles to create new understanding and capability in the field of structural dynamics (Modal and/or Shock & Vibration testing).
• Develop and implement new solutions and improvements to the group’s technical and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with mission partners to fully understand their needs, map them to technical requirements, and inform tactical and strategic developments necessary for current and future mission needs.
• Provide strong technical expertise in performing structural dynamics testing on an ever‑changing assortment of projects including weapon systems, aerospace structures and payloads, and civil structures. Depending on focus area, this will include Experimental Modal or shaker Shock & Vibration testing (traditional Single‑Degree of Freedom and advanced Multi‑Input/Multi‑Output/6
  
  DOF).
• Lead detailed technical planning, execution, and reporting for complex test series, including safety and security considerations, across large multidisciplinary teams.

Qualified candidates must:

• Be able to work onsite and be willing to work on nuclear deterrence systems.
• Hold (or be able to obtain) a DOE Q security clearance.
• Have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and engineering or scientific experience.

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field with an independent research project requirement.
• Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior experience in Experimental Modal Analysis, Shock & Vibration Testing, Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH), Structural Dynamics.
• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB.
• Experience with dynamic sensors and instrumentation such as accelerometers.
• Experience with data acquisition system setup, operation, and maintenance.
• Demonstrated skills in digital signal or image processing techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute large test series with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with hazardous testing, such as explosives, and associated work planning and control processes.

$117,500 – $235,700

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance (benefits vary by job classification).

The Structural Dynamics Department (01522) is an integral part of the Engineering Sciences Center at Sandia National Laboratories. It supports the System‑Level Vibration Testing Lab, the Modal Lab, instrumentation efforts, and has a portfolio that includes advanced multi‑axis ground testing methods, nonlinear dynamics, transfer path analysis, experimental uncertainty quantification, and high‑speed non‑contact diagnostics.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class under state or federal law.